Of Newton, formerly of Waltham, passed away peacefully Wednesday morning March 18th, 2015 in Newton – Wellesley Hospital surrounded by his loving family after a long illness at the age of 83.

Born on April 6, 1931 in Newton; son of the late of Paul and Theresa (Notropipo) Proia, Bill was raised in Newton and after his marriage moved to Waltham for 59 years until moving back to Newton 3 years ago.

A graduate of Newton High School, Bill was employed as a Bed Manufacturer throughout his life.

Bill proudly served with the United States Army 82nd Airborne during the Korean War. He was a member of the local Chapter of the Disabled American Veterans.

He was an active and devoted member of Sacred Heart Church in Waltham for years.

In his spare time Bill enjoyed golfing, bowling, gardening, and being a “Mr. Fix It” handyman around the house.

Bill is survived by his beloved wife of 62 years Geraldine “Gerry” (Iannuzzo) Proia, his devoted & loving children Joyce M. Greenberg and her husband Bill of Shamong, NJ, and Bill Proia and his wife Sally of Natick, his cherished grandchildren Kaely and her husband Ryan, Allison and her husband Eli, Lauren, Ethan and Gabriel, adoring great grandchildren Annabelle and Ashley, and dear sister Susan Liakos of Peabody. In addition he is survived by several sisters-in-law, brothers-in-law, and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.

Brother of the late Julia Cellucci, Joseph, Anthony and Albert Proia.

A Funeral Service in celebration of William’s Life will be held in the Mary Catherine Chapel of the Brasco & Sons Memorial, 773 Moody Street, WALTHAM on Saturday morning March 21st at 11:00 a.m. Interment with United States Army Military Honors will follow at Calvary Cemetery. Visiting Hours will be held prior to the Funeral Service on Saturday morning from 9:00 – 11:00 a.m. Parking attendants will be on duty.

Expressions of sympathy may be made in his memory to the Crohn's and Colitis Foundation of America, 72 River Park St, Suite #202 Needham, MA 02494.